From Reed to Revenue: BalticReed Project Turns Coastal Overgrowth into Opportunity
Could the thick reeds choking the Baltic Sea’s shores be more than just a nuisance? The BalticReed project shows that these overgrown coastal waters may hold significant, yet largely untapped, environmental and economic value. In late January 2026, the Reed to Revenue – BalticReed Fair was held at Arcada University of Applied Sciences in Helsinki, bringing together researchers, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and financiers to explore the potential of this unexpected resource.
The BalticReed project aims to combat eutrophication in the Baltic Sea by harvesting reeds from coastal waters. Dense reed beds trap staggering amounts of nutrients—up to 10 kilograms of phosphorus, 100 kilograms of nitrogen, and more than two tonnes of organic carbon per hectare. By collecting and repurposing the reeds as soil amendments, growing substrates, or animal bedding, these nutrients can be returned to land rather than continuing to pollute the sea.
Marrying Environmental Impact with Economic Viability
While nutrient recovery is at the heart of the project, BalticReed emphasizes the need for sustainable business models. Long-term environmental benefits only happen when harvesting, logistics, and processing form a financially viable chain. Between 2023 and 2026, the project has partnered with companies, municipalities, and authorities across Finland, Åland, and Sweden to develop pilot solutions that work in practice. So far, around 200 hectares of reeds have been harvested, involving over a hundred stakeholders.
“Protecting the Baltic Sea is one of our biggest challenges. Eutrophication is the result of human exploitation, and now we need circular solutions that reduce phosphorus pollution while remaining economically sustainable. BalticReed is an interesting example of how environmental benefits and business models can go hand in hand,” says Ville Niinistö, Member of the European Parliament and keynote speaker at the Reed to Revenue event.
Restoring Biodiversity and Open Coasts
Reed harvesting does more than reduce nutrient loads, it can also help restore biologically rich coastal habitats. In shallow bays, excess nutrients and the absence of grazing have allowed reeds to overtake other vegetation, reshaping ecosystems and landscapes. The BalticReed project shows that targeted reed removal can function as an effective nature-based management tool. By carefully timing harvests and reducing nutrient inflow from surrounding land, substantial amounts of phosphorus and nitrogen can be removed without harming wildlife or habitat structure. The project also emphasises the need for long-term, adaptive management in dynamic shallow bays. “Shallow bays are precious ecosystems worth protecting and restoring. When done thoughtfully, reed harvesting can reduce nutrient loads and safeguard wildlife—but it requires careful planning and monitoring,” says Maria Gustavsson of the County Administrative Board of Östergötland.
A Global First: The Reed Fair
The Reed to Revenue – BalticReed Fair is being recognised as the world’s first trade fair dedicated to reed as a raw material. The event brought together scientists, entrepreneurs, investors, NGOs, and decision-makers to explore eutrophication, policy frameworks, innovation, and emerging business opportunities. Highlights included expert talks on sustainable harvesting and regional collaboration, as well as the Fair area, where numerous companies showcased innovative reed-based products. Another focal point was the Pike Tank—a pitch competition in which companies presented reed-based product ideas to potential investors. Both established firms and startups demonstrated solutions spanning materials development, construction, packaging, and design, including BRDR.FINSEN, Nexamass, RUOCO OY, Ruokomestarit, and Sjöutsikt Sverige AB. Projects were evaluated by finance and environmental experts such as Crista Hietala (Ålandsbanken), Pär Svärdson (Apotea AB), Dennis Hamro-Drotz (Nordic Environment Finance Corporation), and Timo Ketonen (A’Pelago/Aboa Advest Oy).
Reeds: A Raw Material for the Blue Economy
The demand for renewable materials is growing, driven by the EU’s ban on single-use plastics by 2030 and its climate neutrality targets for 2050. Reeds offer promising applications in composites, packaging, construction, and even car interiors, providing a sustainable alternative to fossil and peat-based materials. The BalticReed project maps the entire value chain—from growth and harvesting to processing and distribution—while also identifying key bottlenecks, including inefficient collection methods, logistical challenges, quality variability, and gaps in financing. “For the value chain to succeed, we need investments to bridge financial gaps, collaboration across actors, and support for entrepreneurs at critical stages,” explain Anil Ramel Singh (Race for the Baltic) and Alina Sippolainen (A’Pelago).
BalticReed is taking shape as a model for a sustainable blue economy, where marine protection goes hand in hand with new business opportunities. The Reed Fair not only concludes the project phase but also opens a new chapter for the use of reeds as a resource across the Baltic Sea region.
BalticReed is a Strategic Central Baltic project (Operations of Special Importance) running from 2023 to 2026, led by the John Nurminen Foundation with partners including the County Administrative Board of Östergötland, Race for the Baltic, Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment South-West Finland, Arcada University of Applied Sciences, and the Government of Åland. The project’s budget is approximately €2.99 million.
Learn more about BalticReed from their project webspace
Text: Jenny Jonstoij, nCP Åland; Anne Jylhä, nCP Finland 3.02.2026
Photo: Anne Jylhä, nCP Finland
